Reconfigurable Toy Gun

ABSTRACT

A toy gun comprises a barrel and a firing mechanism configured upon actuation to launch a projectile through the barrel or a main part of the barrel. The barrel or the main barrel part can be moved between first and second positions where the barrel or the main barrel part, when in the first position, is not in alignment with a firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched from the toy gun but not through the barrel or the main barrel part and, when in the second position, is aligned with the firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched through the barrel or the main barrel part. The barrel or the main barrel part, when in the first position, may act as a scope for the toy gun. In another arrangement, the toy gun comprises a reconfigurable barrel with the firing mechanism configured such that, upon actuation, it launches a projectile through one or more parts of the barrel. The barrel comprises a first part and a second part arranged such that, in a first configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through only a first part of the barrel and, in a second configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passes through both parts of the barrel. The toy gun may have a foldable stock which, in a first configuration of the stock, folds over and surrounds a housing accommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding a trigger of the firing mechanism.

FIELD OF THE INVENTION

The invention relates to a reconfigurable toy gun.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Toy guns are provided in many shapes and forms, but children are alwaysexcited by novel toy gun configurations.

OBJECTS OF THE INVENTION

An object of the invention is to provide a reconfigurable toy gun.

The above object is met by the combination of features of the mainclaims; the sub-claims disclose further advantageous embodiments of theinvention.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

In a first main aspect, the invention relates to a toy gun in which abarrel or a main barrel part can be moved between first and secondpositions where the barrel or the main barrel part, when in the firstposition, is not in alignment with the firing mechanism such that, uponactuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched from the toygun but not through the barrel or the main barrel part and, when in thesecond position, is aligned with the firing mechanism such that, uponactuation of the firing mechanism, a projectile is launched through thebarrel or the main barrel part.

In a second main aspect, the invention provides a toy gun comprising areconfigurable barrel and a firing mechanism configured such that, uponactuation, it launches a projectile through one or more parts of thebarrel. The barrel comprises a first part and a second part arrangedsuch that, in a first configuration of the barrel parts, a projectilelaunched by the firing mechanism passes through only a first part of thebarrel and, in a second configuration of the barrel parts, a projectilelaunched by the firing mechanism passes through both parts of thebarrel.

In a third main aspect, the invention provides a toy gun comprising abarrel, a firing mechanism configured upon actuation to launch aprojectile through one or more parts of the barrel, and a foldable stockwhich, in a first configuration, folds under and surrounds a housingaccommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding a trigger ofthe firing mechanism.

The summary of the invention does not necessarily disclose all thefeatures essential for defining the invention; the invention may residein a sub-combination of the disclosed features.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

The foregoing and further features of the present invention will beapparent from the following description of preferred embodiments whichare provided by way of example only in connection with the accompanyingfigures, of which:

FIG. 1 is a side view and rear-end view of a toy gun in accordance witha first embodiment in a first barrel configuration;

FIG. 2 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the first barrelconfiguration with a cocking mechanism shown in a partially retractedposition;

FIG. 3 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the first barrelconfiguration with a cocking mechanism shown in a fully retractedposition;

FIG. 4 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the first barrelconfiguration in a cocked condition;

FIG. 5 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the first barrelconfiguration in a firing condition;

FIG. 6 is a forward-end view, side view and rear-end view of the toy gunof FIG. 1 in a second barrel configuration;

FIG. 7 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrelconfiguration with a cocking mechanism shown in a partially retractedposition;

FIG. 8 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrelconfiguration with a cocking mechanism shown in a fully retractedposition;

FIG. 9 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrelconfiguration in a cocked condition;

FIG. 10 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrelconfiguration in a firing condition;

FIG. 11 is a partial exploded view of the barrel and firing mechanismhousing of the of the toy gun of FIG. 1 in the second barrelconfiguration;

FIG. 12 is a side view and rear-end view of a toy gun in accordance witha second embodiment in a first barrel configuration;

FIG. 13 is a side view and rear-end view of the toy gun of FIG. 12 inthe second barrel configuration;

FIG. 14 is a side view of a toy gun in accordance with a thirdembodiment with the barrel in a first configuration and the stock in afirst configuration;

FIG. 15 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 14 with the barrel in thefirst configuration and the stock in a second configuration;

FIG. 16 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 14 with the barrel in thesecond configuration and the stock in the first configuration;

FIG. 17 is a side view of the toy gun of FIG. 14 with the barrel in thesecond configuration and the stock in the second configuration;

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a toy gun in accordance with afourth embodiment;

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of a toy gun in accordance with afifth embodiment.

DESCRIPTION OF PREFERRED EMBODIMENTS

The following description is of preferred embodiments by way of exampleonly and without limitation to the combination of features necessary forcarrying the invention into effect.

Reference in this specification to “one embodiment” or “an embodiment”means that a particular feature, structure, or characteristic describedin connection with the embodiment is included in at least one embodimentof the invention. The appearances of the phrase “in one embodiment” invarious places in the specification are not necessarily all referring tothe same embodiment, nor are separate or alternative embodimentsmutually exclusive of other embodiments. Moreover, various features aredescribed which may be exhibited by some embodiments and not by others.Similarly, various requirements are described which may be requirementsfor some embodiments, but not other embodiments.

The invention provides a toy gun having a barrel and a firing mechanismconfigured upon actuation to launch a projectile through the barrel or amain part of the barrel. The barrel or the main barrel part can be movedbetween first and second positions where the barrel or the main barrelpart, when in the first position, is not in alignment with a firingmechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, aprojectile is launched from the toy gun but not through the barrel orthe main barrel part and, when in the second position, is aligned withthe firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism,a projectile is launched through the barrel or the main barrel part. Thebarrel or the main barrel part is preferably pivotally connected to thefiring mechanism such that, when the barrel or main barrel part is inits first position, the barrel or main barrel part is preferablypositioned above, below or to a side of the firing mechanism. The barrelor the main barrel part, when in the first position, may act as a scopefor the toy gun and is preferably positioned over the firing mechanism.In another arrangement, the toy gun comprises a reconfigurable barrelwith the firing mechanism configured such that, upon actuation, itlaunches a projectile through one or more parts of the barrel. Thebarrel comprises a first part and a second part arranged such that, in afirst configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by thefiring mechanism passes through only a first part of the barrel and, ina second configuration of the barrel parts, a projectile launched by thefiring mechanism passes through both parts of the barrel. The toy gunmay have a foldable stock which, in a first configuration of the stock,folds over and surrounds a housing accommodating the firing mechanism,but without impeding a trigger of the firing mechanism.

In the following description, reference will be made to the barrel ofthe toy gun comprising a first barrel part and a second barrel partwhere the first barrel part may be provided in a housing of the firingmechanism and which may, in some embodiments, comprise an aperture in awall of said housing. Reference to the second barrel part should beconsidered as a reference to a main barrel part. It will be understood,however, that, in some embodiments, there may be a single barrelcomprising the barrel of the toy gun with no barrel part provided in thehousing of the firing mechanism. Consequently, reference to the secondbarrel part being pivotally connected to the first barrel part should betaken as including embodiments where the single barrel is pivotallymounted to the firing mechanism.

Referring to the drawings, FIG. 1 provides a side view and rear-end viewof a toy gun 10 in accordance with a first embodiment. The toy gun 10has a reconfigurable barrel 12. It has a firing mechanism 14 containedin a housing 16. The firing mechanism 14 includes a trigger 18. Thehousing 16 preferably includes a gun grip 20. The firing mechanism 14 isconfigured such that, upon actuation by depression of a trigger 18, itlaunches a projectile 22 through one or more parts of the barrel 12.

The barrel 12 comprises a first part 12A and a second part 12B arrangedsuch that, in a first configuration of the barrel parts 12A,B asdepicted in FIGS. 1 to 5, a projectile 22 launched by the firingmechanism 14 passes through only a first part 12A of the barrel 12. In asecond configuration of the barrel parts shown in FIGS. 6 to 10, aprojectile 22 launched by the firing mechanism 14 passes through bothparts of the barrel 12A,B. In the first configuration of the barrelparts 12A,B, the toy gun 10 can be considered as being in ashort-barrelled pistol configuration. In the second configuration of thebarrel parts 12A,B, the toy gun 10 can be considered as being in along-barrelled pistol configuration or in a rifle configuration, thelatter especially being the case if the toy gun 10 includes a rearwardlyextending stock 224 (FIGS. 15 and 17).

The firing mechanism 14 is of a known type for a toy gun 10 which fireselongated soft projectiles 22 designed not to cause injury. The firingmechanism 14 is therefore preferably of a type known from toy gunscommonly referred to as “blasters”.

The second barrel part 12B is preferably pivotally connected to thefirst barrel part 12A such that, when the barrel parts 12A,B are intheir first configuration, the second barrel part 12B is positionedparallel to and preferably above the first barrel part 12A. The secondbarrel part 12B is preferably much longer in length than the firstbarrel part 12A such that it overlies the length of the housing 16 whenthe barrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration. In any event,the second part 12B of the barrel preferably forms a scope 26 for aimingthe toy gun 10 when the barrel parts 12A,B are in their firstconfiguration. In some embodiments, only the second barrel part 12B isprovided as a single barrel which is pivotally mounted to the firingmechanism housing 16.

The housing 16 may be provided with a retaining member 28 adapted toengage or grip a sight member 30 provided on a free end of the barrelsecond part 12B to prevent said barrel second part 12B from flipping upduring use of the toy gun 10 when the barrel parts 12A,B are in theirfirst configuration. The housing may also be provided with a catchmember 32 on its forward end which engages with a latch member 34 whichholds the barrel parts 12A,B in alignment when the barrel parts 12A,Bare in their second configuration.

The first barrel part 12A is preferably accommodated in the housing 16and, in some embodiments, may comprise an aperture 36 in a front wall 37of the housing as best seen in FIG. 11. The catch member 32 ispreferably provided on said front wall 37 adjacent the aperture 36.

The firing mechanism 14 is cocked and loaded by a cocking mechanism 38.The cocking mechanism is preferably provided on the second barrel part12B and includes a cocking slide 40 which, in use, is gripped by a userand slid along the second barrel part 12B. In a first backward stroketowards the rear of the toy gun 10, the slide 40 (i) compresses a firingmechanism spring 44 and (ii) turns a projectile chamber 39 to position anext projectile 22 in line with at least the first barrel part 12A readyto be launched from the toy gun 10. In a second forward stroke towardsthe front of the toy gun 10 the slide 40 charges air into a pistoncylinder 46 of the firing mechanism 14. The cocking mechanism 38 alsoincludes a linking rod 42 which extends between the slide 40 and thefiring mechanism 14. Sliding movement of the slide 40 causes slidingmovement of the linking rod 42.

The linking rod 42 comprises first and second pivotally connected parts42A,B. Preferably, the first and second parts 42A,B of the linking rodare pivotally connected about a same pivot axis as the first and secondparts 12A,B of the barrel but only under the condition when the slide 40is in its non-retracted position (FIGS. 1 and 6).

FIG. 2 shows the slide 40 in a partially retracted position when thebarrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration and FIG. 7 shows theslide 40 in a partially retracted position when the barrel parts 12A,Bare in their second configuration. It can be seen in FIG. 2 that theslide 40 pulls the linking rod 42 towards the firing mechanism 14whereas in FIG. 7 it can be seen that the slide pushes the linking rod42 towards the firing mechanism 14.

FIG. 3 shows the slide 40 in a fully retracted position when the barrelparts 12A,B are in their first configuration and FIG. 8 shows the slide40 in a fully retracted position when the barrel parts 12A,B are intheir second configuration.

FIG. 4 shows the slide 40 returned to its normal forward position bywhich it charges air into the piston 46 when the barrel parts 12A,B arein their first configuration and FIG. 9 shows the slide 40 returned toits normal forward position when the barrel parts 12A,B are in theirsecond configuration.

FIG. 5 shows a projectile 22 being fired from the toy gun 10 when thebarrel parts 12A,B are in their first configuration and FIG. 10 shows aprojectile 22 being fired from the toy gun 10 when the barrel parts12A,B are in their second configuration.

FIG. 12 is a side view and rear-end view of a second embodiment of thetoy gun in a first barrel configuration whilst FIG. 13 is a side viewand rear-end view of the toy gun of FIG. 12 in the second barrelconfiguration. In the description of the second embodiment, likenumerals to those used in connection with the first embodiment, butpreceeded by numeral “1” will be used to denote like parts.

In the second embodiment of the toy gun 110, the cocking mechanism 138is provided on the housing 116 such that the cocking mechanism does notrequire a pivotable linking rod. Despite the structural differences withthe first embodiment, the cocking mechanism 138 of the second embodimentoperates in largely the same manner using backward and forward strokesof the slider 140 to prepare the toy gun 110 for firing a projectile122. One difference over the first embodiment is that an upper surfaceof the slider 140 is concave and thereby adapted to receive the secondbarrel part 112B when the barrel 112 is in its first configuration (FIG.12).

FIGS. 14 to 17 show a third embodiment of the toy gun. In thedescription of the third embodiment, like numerals to those used inconnection with the first embodiment, but preceeded by numeral “2” willbe used to denote like parts.

The third embodiment of the toy gun 210 includes a stock 224. It shouldbe understood that the stock 224 can also be provided in the first andsecond embodiments of the toy gun.

The stock 224 is preferably pivotally mounted to a rear end of thehousing 216, although it may be attachable to the housing 216 in otherfoldable manners. In a first stock configuration of the toy gun 210, thestock 224 folds under the housing 216, but without impeding the secondbarrel part 212B arranged in the first configuration of the barrel partsas shown in FIG. 14. The stock 224 preferably folds under and surroundsthe housing 216. To facilitate this, one or more central regions of thestock 224 are preferably recessed.

In FIG. 15, the stock 224 is shown in its second, extended configurationby which the toy gun 210 can be considered as being in a rifleconfiguration.

FIG. 16 shows the toy gun 216 with the barrel 212 in its secondconfiguration and the stock 224 in its first configuration whereas FIG.17 shows the toy gun 216 the toy gun with the barrel 212 in its secondconfiguration and the stock 224 in its second configuration.

FIGS. 14 to 17 therefore demonstrate four configurations of the toy gun,namely (i) with both the barrel and the stock in their first unextendedconfigurations; (ii) with the barrel in its first unextendedconfiguration and the stock in its second extended configuration; (iii)with the barrel in its extended second configuration and the stock inits unextended first configuration; and (iv) the both the barrel and thestock in their second extended configurations.

FIG. 18 is a side perspective view of a toy gun in accordance with afourth embodiment. In the description of the fourth embodiment, likenumerals to those used in connection with the first embodiment, butpreceeded by numeral “3” will be used to denote like parts.

The toy gun 310 shows the second barrel part 312B pivotally connected toan end face of the housing 316, but such that the barrel, when in itsfirst position, is located to one side of the housing 316 accommodatingthe firing mechanism (not shown). The second barrel part 312B could beused as a scope in this embodiment. The catch (not shown) for securingthe second barrel part 312B in its second position aligned with thefirst barrel part (not shown) and the firing mechanism is affixedadjacent to a far side edge of the front face of the housing.

The slider 340 of the cocking mechanism for operating the firingmechanism is provided on the top of the housing 316 in this embodiment,but operates in accordance with the same methodology as the otherembodiments.

FIG. 19 is a side perspective view of a toy gun in accordance with afifth embodiment. In the description of the fourth embodiment, likenumerals to those used in connection with the first embodiment, butpreceeded by numeral “4” will be used to denote like parts.

The toy gun 410 shows the second barrel part 412B pivotally connected toan end face 437 of the housing 416, but such that the barrel, when inits first position, is located under the forward part of the housing 416accommodating the firing mechanism (not shown), but without impeding thetrigger 418. The catch 432 for securing the second barrel part 412B inits second position aligned with the first barrel part 412A and thefiring mechanism is affixed adjacent to an upper edge of the front face437 of the housing. The first barrel part 412A extends into a windowedportion of the housing 416, but does not extend outwardly from thehousing 416.

The slider 440 of the cocking mechanism for operating the firingmechanism is provided on the top of the housing 416 in this embodiment,but operates in accordance with the same methodology as the otherembodiments.

While the invention has been illustrated and described in detail in thedrawings and foregoing description, the same is to be considered asillustrative and not restrictive in character, it being understood thatonly exemplary embodiments have been shown and described and do notlimit the scope of the invention in any manner. It can be appreciatedthat any of the features described herein may be used with anyembodiment. The illustrative embodiments are not exclusive of each otheror of other embodiments not recited herein. Accordingly, the inventionalso provides embodiments that comprise combinations of one or more ofthe illustrative embodiments described above. Modifications andvariations of the invention as herein set forth can be made withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope thereof, and, therefore, only suchlimitations should be imposed as are indicated by the appended claims.

In the claims which follow and in the preceding description of theinvention, except where the context requires otherwise due to expresslanguage or necessary implication, the word “comprise” or variationssuch as “comprises” or “comprising” is used in an inclusive sense, i.e.to specify the presence of the stated features but not to preclude thepresence or addition of further features in various embodiments of theinvention.

It is to be understood that, if any prior art publication is referred toherein, such reference does not constitute an admission that thepublication forms a part of the common general knowledge in the art.

1. A toy gun comprising: a barrel; a firing mechanism configured uponactuation to launch a projectile through the barrel or a main part ofthe barrel; wherein the barrel or the main barrel part can be movedbetween first and second positions where the barrel or the main barrelpart, when in the first position, is not in alignment with a firingmechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism, aprojectile is launched from the toy gun but not through the barrel orthe main barrel part and, when in the second position, is aligned withthe firing mechanism such that, upon actuation of the firing mechanism,a projectile is launched through the barrel or the main barrel part. 2.The toy gun of claim 1, wherein the barrel or the main barrel part, whenin the first position, acts as a scope for the toy gun.
 3. The toy gunof claim 1, wherein the barrel or the main barrel part is pivotallyconnected to the firing mechanism such that, when the barrel or mainbarrel part is in its first position, the barrel or main barrel part ispositioned above, below or to a side of the firing mechanism.
 4. The toygun of claim 1, wherein the firing mechanism is accommodated in ahousing.
 5. The toy gun of claim 1, wherein a cocking mechanism for thefiring mechanism is provided on the the barrel or the main barrel part.6. The toy gun of claim 5, wherein the barrel or main barrel part ispivotally connected to the firing mechanism about a pivot point and alinking rod connecting the cocking mechanism to the firing mechanism ispivotable about the same pivot point.
 7. The toy gun of claim 1, whereina cocking mechanism for the firing mechanism is provided on a housingaccommodating the firing mechanism.
 8. The toy gun of claim 7, wherein atop surface of the cocking mechanism provides a channel for receivingthe barrel or main barrel part when the barrel or main barrel part is inits first position.
 9. The toy gun of claim 1, further comprising afoldable stock which, in a first configuration, folds under a housingaccommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding the barrel ormain barrel part when said barrel or main barrel part is in its firstposition.
 10. A toy gun comprising: a reconfigurable barrel; a firingmechanism configured upon actuation to launch a projectile through oneor more parts of the barrel; wherein the barrel comprises a first partand a second part arranged such that, in a first configuration of thebarrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanism passesthrough only a first part of the barrel and, in a second configurationof the barrel parts, a projectile launched by the firing mechanismpasses through both parts of the barrel.
 11. The toy gun of claim 10,wherein, in the first configuration of the barrel parts, the second partof the barrel forms a scope for the toy gun.
 12. The toy gun of claim10, wherein the second barrel part is pivotally connected to the firstbarrel part such that, when the barrel parts are in their firstconfiguration, the second barrel part is positioned parallel to thefirst barrel part.
 13. The toy gun of claim 10, wherein the secondbarrel part is pivotally connected to the first barrel part such that,when the barrel parts are in their first configuration, the secondbarrel part is positioned above the first barrel part.
 14. The toy gunof claim 10, wherein the first part of the barrel is provided in ahousing accommodating the firing mechanism.
 15. The toy gun of claim 14,wherein the first part of the barrel comprises an aperture in thehousing accommodating the firing mechanism.
 16. The toy gun of claim 10,wherein a cocking mechanism for the firing mechanism is provided on thesecond part of the barrel.
 17. The toy gun of claim 16, wherein thesecond barrel part is pivotally connected to the first barrel part abouta pivot point and a linking rod connecting the cocking mechanism to thefiring mechanism is pivotable about the same pivot point.
 18. The toygun of claim 10, wherein a cocking mechanism for the firing mechanism isprovided on a housing accommodating the firing mechanism.
 19. The toygun of claim 18, wherein a top surface of the cocking mechanism providesa channel for receiving the second barrel part when the barrel parts arein their first configuration.
 20. The toy gun of claim 10, furthercomprising a foldable stock which, in a first configuration, folds undera housing accommodating the firing mechanism, but without impeding thesecond barrel part being placed in the first configuration of the barrelparts.
 21. A toy gun comprising: a barrel; a firing mechanism configuredupon actuation to launch a projectile through one or more parts of thebarrel; a foldable stock which, in a first configuration, folds underand surrounds a housing accommodating the firing mechanism, but withoutimpeding a trigger of the firing mechanism.